Beatrice Chebet sets 10,000m world record in Eugene

Athletics
By Washington Onyango | May 25, 2024
Beatrice Chebet celebrates after breaking the women's 10,000m record. [Word Athletics]

Beatrice Chebet shattered the women's 10,000m world record at the Prefontaine Classic Diamond League athletics meeting on Saturday.

The 24-year-old Kenyan clocked an extraordinary 28 minutes and 54.14 seconds, surpassing the previous record of 29:01.03 set by Ethiopia's Letesenbet Gidey in June 2021.

Chebet, already a distinguished athlete with two world championships medals in the 5,000m and a cross-country world champion title, demonstrated her exceptional prowess on the track once again.

Her record-breaking run came during a race designated as Kenya's Olympic qualifier, immediately establishing her as a top contender for gold at the upcoming Paris Olympics in August.

The mild, overcast conditions at Hayward Field proved ideal for the historic race. Chebet capitalized on the enthusiastic support of the crowd, the assistance of three pacemakers in the first half, and the venue's "wavelight" pace-setting technology.

These factors combined to help Chebet achieve the remarkable milestone of being the first woman to break 29 minutes in the 10,000m.

The race, although opening Saturday's events, was not part of the Diamond League program. It had been billed as a world record attempt by Ethiopia's Gudaf Tsegay, who had previously shattered the 5,000m world record at the same venue during the Diamond League finals last September.

Despite Tsegay's formidable reputation, Chebet's strategic pacing and perfectly timed move to the front secured her victory. Tsegay finished second with a time of 20:05.92, marking the third-fastest time ever recorded in the 10,000m.

Chebet's victory not only highlights her as a dominant force in long-distance running but also sets the stage for an exciting showdown at the Paris Olympics.

As the athletics world turns its eyes to August, Chebet's record-breaking performance in Eugene will be remembered as a defining moment in her career and in the history of women's track and field.

Share this story
Asati and Ooro to lead Shujaa ahead of World Rugby Sevens Series return
Vincent Onyala and Anthony Omondi miss out due to contract issues.
Faith Kipyegon awarded Honorary Doctor of Education Degree
Triple-Olympic champion Faith Kipyegon has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Education by the University of Eldoret, acknowledging her unparalleled contributions to athletics.
Mashemeji Derby postponed due to lack of suitable venue
Kenya’s most iconic football clash, the Mashemeji Derby, has been postponed indefinitely due to a lack of a suitable venue.
Former champions Standard FC out to reclaim Road to Anfield title
The tournament will be graced by Liverpool FC legend Jason McAteer who will preside over the battle for the sole ticket to represent Kenya at the famous Anfield.
Trucha wants derby to be AFC Leopards' turning point
AFC Leopards head coach Thomas Trucha leads his charges into the game as a man under immense pressure, as the club has only won one of its last five matches.
.
RECOMMENDED NEWS